from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Taciturn \Tac"i*turn\, a. [L. taciturnus: cf. F. taciturne. See
{Tacit}.]
Habitually silent; not given to converse; not apt to talk or
speak. -- {Tac"i*turn*ly}, adv.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Silent; reserved.
Usage: {Taciturn}, {Silent}. Silent has reference to the act;
taciturn, to the habit. A man may be silent from
circumstances; he is taciturn from disposition. The
loquacious man is at times silent; one who is taciturn
may now and then make an effort at conversation.
[1913 Webster]